Preggers Post - Week 35

 Preggers Post - Week 35

Baby Smith

According to What to Expect, Baby Smith is continuing to pack on the pounds.  He has certainly done so, because now his Karate Kid moves are pretty intense. 

Read:  sometimes they hurt. 

Also new this week:  although we already knew he was head down ready to his big debut, I am 87% sure he has "dropped" some.  All the way?  I'm not sure, since I've been carrying low this whole time.  But, over the  past week, there is for sure new pressure at a lower region.  And Mr. Smith and I examined the situation last night, and we think you can tell he has dropped by observing from the outside.  And also from the new pain in my lower back by the end of the day.

Momma Smith

I'm pretty sure God designed the last few weeks of pregnancy so you'd be more than ready to pop your precious angel out.  Like the cold snap of weather we've had this week?  I may or may not have prayed for it last week.  You can thank me later.  The cankles all but disappeared with this glorious weather, but I'm seeing on the forecast that the good ole Bama heat will be back in action in just a few days.  I just needed a few days of sweet relief, alright? 

We start our weekly doctor's appointments this coming Monday (insert an "OMG" here), where our doctor will start checking for dilation.  Dilation, people.  That's how close we're getting here. 

In Other News

Grandmother Dee Dee is headed to come stay with me this weekend, since Mr. Smith has fled to Mississippi for some turkey hunting.  I got the feeling he may have been thinking it was his last weekend - ever - to jet off for a few days.  So, mom is coming just in case.  I've got big plans for us, don't you worry. 

Here's hoping this weekend we can finish up the nursery.  I owe you pictures, I know.  I will post them, as soon as we get the tornado of baby gifts organized... I promise! 

Here's a picture to hold you over.  This is what I gave my hostesses for the my baby showers:  Monogrammed thermal totes (or lunch bags, whatev).  Didn't they come out so cute?  I was really pleased with them, and I hope they enjoy them! 

(Yes, they're from Thirty-One.  See link on the right side of the page...)

Talk to me on this Tuesday...

I'm on the hunt for some easy-to-freeze meals. 

Any favorite recipes out there? 

I've been a bum recently in the kitchen; hence the lack of recipe sharing. 

However, I'd like to get some ideas on stuff that would be easy to freeze for later on, when I'm really, really tired and not looking to be Emeril in the kitchen.  Surely I can pull it together for a weekend, channel my inner Paula Dean/Giada/Barefoot Contessa/Pioneer Woman.... right? 

Thoughts?

Suggestions?

Ideas?

Bueller?  

Shower Power

This weekend, we had our second Baby Shower, here in B'ham at the home of Mrs. Carroll.  I didn't get quite as many pictures as I had hoped for, but I spotted Mrs. Shepherd with her camera so here's hoping she captured some memories as well.  

The hosts clearly out did themselves,  as well as the guests.  We are up to our eyeballs in items for Baby Harrison!    

College Roomies!  An ode to 13th Street...

I had a sweet helper with Miss Madilyn for some of the gifts...

This gift is clearly baby-approved!

Explaining to Mrs. Lora that I have no idea how to work the sweet new Travel System that our hosts gave us.  But, I'm ready to practice!

Just ignore that look of pure fear on my face while holding my friend Amanda's precious 3-month-old.  I'm not scared, I promise.

Sweet Hostesses!

Preggers Post - Week 34

I thought I'd toss things up for you this week, folks, to keep it interesting around here. 

Preggers Post - Week 34

The Good

Doctor's appointment this morning and everything looked great! 

Belly measurement: 31.5 centimeters.  Still a little small, but in normal range.

Had an "at-home" pedicure this week, courtesy of Mr. Smith.  Yes, you read that right.  My sweet husband took off the old nail polish and painted my toenails for me, since I can't reach them anymore without falling over. 

Feeling Baby Harrison kicks get more and more punctuated and powerful. 

Having my Birmingham Baby Shower this weekend!  Super excited to see everyone!  Will post about it, with pics, later on...

The Bad

The Snoring has continued.  Mr. Smith says it reminds him of an obese 80-year-old man.  Therefore, the past couple of nights, husband and dog have been run out of the bedroom and are shacking up in the guest room to get some ZZZZZ's. 

Sinus issues have made a reappearance this week with all the crazy weather, so I've had a few morning nosebleeds.  Luckily I'm a multi-tasker and can manage to get ready in the morning while coping. 

The insomnia and resulting fatigue is getting old, real fast.  I know, I know... it's only going to get worse. 

The Ugly

Cankles.  I got 'em, and they ain't pretty.  I not only have cankles, but "Shrek Feet" as Mr. Smith says.  I think of them fondly as puffy blowfish feet, kind of like a balloon animal of some sort.  Whatever they are... apparently they could only get worse, according to Doctor.  Thank you Alabama weather. 

Doctor's solutions include propping these puppies up and drinking plenty of fluids.  Her med student's solution?  Doogie said to run by the pharmacy and pick up some of those "compression stockings."  Doogie is not my friend, and at the time I did not wish good things upon him.  However... if the compression stockings make an appearance, I will for sure put a picture on here.  And yeah, I call him Doogie.  As in Doogie Howser, because he looked about 15-years-old. 

Does anyone know if tanning lotion affects your skin differently if you're pregnant?  Remember that Jergens tanning lotion from 3 weeks ago for the Mooty wedding?  Guys.... for the past 2 weeks, my legs have been speckled.  Yep - speckled.  Like the tanning lotion will not fade away without leaving awesome streaks and spots all over the bottom halves of my legs. 

Between the cankles and speckled legs... my tights are looking better and better.  No one may ever see these gams again. 

Conclusion

It's highly important to have a sense of humor when you're pregnant.  Otherwise, all of this could easily bum a person out.  Quite frankly, if cankles and Shrek feet are the worst things I've got going on, then I'm a lucky gal. 

10 Years in the Making...

In this past weekend's Tour de North Alabama, we attended the nuptials of the now Mr. and Mrs. Ryals.  This couple has been together for 10 years, so needless to say, we felt the need to par-tay. 

We were running a bit late, so we actually missed the ceremony and went straight to the Reception, where I got to hang with some lovely sorority sisters, shake my pregnant tailfeather, stuff my face with delicious reception food, and watch Mrs. Ryals absolutely glow....

I would also like to point out that we thought getting our pics made in front of as much of the distinct artwork as possible made us much more "cultural." 

Anyone remember Phoebe's "Gladys" painting from Friends?  This was its twin, I swear.

Mrs. Shepherd and I in front of abstract purple lady. 

Bonus of getting to Reception first...  grazing on buffet, like Mr. Shepherd here. 

Lovely sorority sisters...

Good Lord, I look like my own planet. 

Long lost lovah, who flew in from New York. 

Yes, there's a better, more poised picture. 

No, I didn't want to use it.  This one speaks volumes and is much more hysterical. 

The Happy Bride, Mrs. Ryals!

Picture.  Perfect. 

Showered with Love

Yesterday I was given a delightful Baby Shower in Cullman, by some very precious ladies. 

I always think it's best to describe via pictures, don't you?

Some besties...

Candid.  I think I'm describing my Birth Plan, which can now be wrapped up in a new sentence:  "Wake me when it's over."  Thank you Mrs. Nielsen for that short and sweet motto. 

My mother, myself, and sweet hostesses. 

Baby Harrison was showered - rather drenched - with sweet gifts and well wishes from ladies who have literally seen me grow up. 

And my fear of not knowing what something was when I opened it never happened! I managed to know exactly what everything was... thank goodness.

Many thanks for these sweet women who hold such invaluable places in my heart and now Baby Harrison's as well! 

Preggers Post - Week 33

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I have my own little leprechaun doing a jig in the belly right now!

I know I say this every time, but I cannot believe I'm this far along. 

It's like you find out you're preggers and think, "Oh I have plenty of time." 

And then - BAM - it's right around the corner.

Baby Smith

By now, Baby Smith is still putting on the pounds.  His pokes, kicks, and sweet dance moves are very distinct.  They don't hurt, but some of them are not exactly comfortable.  Especially the karate chops to the bladder region.  If I'm talking to you and I wince or make a face, you know what just happened. 

I'm also fairly sure that he has dropped some now.  I mean, I've been carrying low this whole time, but this is a new kind of feeling/pressure to pelvic region. 

Momma Smith

Still having some nights where I just cannot fall asleep.  It also isn't helping that the ladies have been in full waterfall effect during the night.  If it weren't happening to me, it would be a lot more humorous. 

On the up side, brushing my teeth in the morning is not quite as unpleasant, and I only gag sporatically now, not every time. 

Cravings:  Meat (still), and now Double-Stuff Oreo's.  Look, I didn't say it was healthy cravings.  What my baby wants, my baby gets. 

In Other News

I have my first baby shower this Saturday, and I'm pretty pumped.  I can't wait to hug the necks of sweet friends.  We're making our way to Huntsville for a sorority sister's wedding afterwards, where I plan on getting lots more hugs and maybe even some belly rubs from long lost pals. 

Getting all the final things ready for Harrison is making all of this even more of a reality.

We're even getting our bags ready... just in case. 

Almost "go" time peeps.  Hang in there with me.

Highs and Lows

I'm still here, readers.  No baby yet.  I worried last night that since it had been a few days that all five of you might be worried about a posssible Harrison debut.  Baby is safely dancing away currently - Richard Simmons style - in belly still. 

We've just been a tad busy. 

I like to break things down into "Highs" and "Lows," so here's a list of recent activities categorized by the aforementioned sub-headings:

Game Night

Highs:  Seeing some nearest and dearest whilst munching on pizza.

Lows: Realizing boys are dirty cheaters.  "Cup of milk anyone?" 

Weekend Errands

Highs:  Haircut (finally!); $32 Publix bill; New tires on car.

Lows: Stylist regaling me with the horrors of her labor & delivery story; people who jump in the "Express"lane at the grocery (10 items or Less) with 50+ items; people who cannot seem to follow gas station directions, like arrows and "Do Not Enter" signs. 

Date Night with Mr. Smith

Highs:  Flip Burger - enough said. No waiting because we sat at the Bar.  (Although I did feel like an episode of "What Would You Do" being preggers at the bar and all...)  Nutella milkshake.  Taking Mr. Smith there for the first time. 

Lows: Realizing they took off both my fried dill pickle chips and favorite burger from the menu.

Church

Highs:  Hearing a great message on the real meaning of Lent. 

Lows: Not getting to eat at Irondale Cafe with Mr. and Mrs. Searson because Mr. Smith had a golf game. 

The Mongrel

Highs:  Watching Coop soak up plenty of lovin' from Mr. Smith. 

Meet our 76-lb. lap dog.

Lows:  Finding mud everywhere from The Mongrel.  Including the duvet cover, which I had recently washed.  Ridiculous.  Absolutely ridiculous.

While everything in life has Highs and Lows, I know - the Lows seem to have much more of an effect on an 8-month pregnant lady.  Some may even call this a "Hormonal Rage".  That person might also be called Mr. Smith, who has graciously been dealing with said Lows by quickly and quietly getting out of the line of fire. 

If you happen to catch yourself in the line of fire, warning signs include:

1.  Twitching of the left eye

2.  Flaring of nostrils

3.  Vein in forehead pulsing

4.  If you witnesses all three of these things and are still in the firing zone, I cannot be held responsible for whatever actions may come your way. 

Preggers Post - Week 32

So, we're in Week 32, peeps. 

I'd like to introduce you to...

Mr. Harrison

And this is where he starts to visibly look annoyed at all the jostling that woke him up from his nap. 

So expressive.

I have no idea where he gets that stare from.  At all. 

Things are coming together at warp speed, and Momma Smith here is pumped. 

Everything looked great at our doctor's appointment, with my belly measuring at 29 centimeters, and Harrison looking like he was a little over 3 pounds. 

This weekend is one of the last I have without anything at all to do, so I'm taking the time to do important things, like get a haircut.  Priorities, people.  Mommies need to look good too!

Laugh with me and let's talk about....

...music for D-Day.  Delivery Day that is. 

I'm a music lovah.  The serious kind.  I like it all, from the classical to the country.  Having played the piano - like, for real y'all with competitions and everything - since a wee gal, I have a serious adoration for all things musical.  I hope it translates down to Harrison. 

Music, I find, can get you through just about anything. 

So why not get it involved with Harrison's debut? 

Now taking suggestions for a Labor and Delivery soundtrack. 

Below, please find my first nomination. 

There is nothing classier than Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It" right? 

I mean, it's literally telling me what to do throughout the process... and you can't get much better than that.

If only I could convince the L&D team with me to wear Miss Salt and Miss Pepa's slammin' attire, then we'd really be set. 

Weekend Wedding Whirlwind!

This weekend, we attended the wedding of one of our nearest and dearest, Mr. Mooty, in Huntsville. 

After busting it at Nascar speed (like that Bama reference?) to get up there after work on Friday, I arrived just in time for the Rehearsal Dinner.  (I mean... what was I going to do at the Cocktail Hour, anyway, hmmm?) 

Oh my word.  The food was divine.  The decorations were gorgeous.  The toasts sentimental mixed with humorous. 

The result was a fabulous evening celebrating the Bride and Groom at the Monte Sano Lodge, overlooking the city. 

At the wedding the next day, Mr. Smith participated as a Groomsman, while I got to enjoy the festivities (read: delicious reception food) and snap a quick picture with the lovely Mother of the Groom:  Mrs. Dee.  I only hope you get to meet someone as special as this lady at least once in your life! 

Doesn't she look exquisite?  Just ignore that my baby bump is taking over her gorgeous dress in the picture.  Harrison is large and in charge these days.

I didn't snap as many pictures as I wanted to this weekend, partly because I was one tired Momma-to-be.  About halfway during the Reception, I started getting some really intense Braxton Hicks contractions, so we headed back to the hotel around 10-ish. 

 I also bravely (foolishly?) attempted to wear black high heels with my dress (this was all becasue of vanity, let me assure you, because I wanted to show off my hard work with my Jergens Express tanning lotion), and I will not make that mistake again. 

Swollen?  Yes please.  I looked like I had elephant feet upon waking up on Sunday morning.  Mr. Smith assured me cankles and elephant feet were hot, though.  God love 'em.  (Another Bama catch phrase.... aren't y'all getting quite the education today?)

We stopped through in C-Town on the way back to Birmingham and got to catch-up over lunch at Cracker Barrel with my parents.  Hmmm..... a perfect solution to a swollen pregnant lady. 

Weather Watch...

It's suppose to be a little cold around here this weekend, so wear a sweater.

Preferably tied around your shoulders, like our J Crew dog. 

Happy Friday!  We're heading to Huntsville for a wedding. 

Pics later!

Preggers Post - Week 31

Baby Smith

Harrison now weighs over three pounds and measures over 18 inches long.  He's approaching his birth length, but still has lots to grow, pound-wise. 

He's also having more defined periods of when he's asleep and awake during the day.  And, for the first time (that I've noticed), Mr. Harrison had the hiccups last night, which we found hysterical. 

Momma Smith

Has slept really well the past week!  Not sure what has changed, and fingers crossed it stays this way.  However, at night I'm having horrible indigestion/heart burn.  Mr. Smith has even taken to "burping" me by patting me on the back.  It's just in the evening and night, but it is not comfortable, in the least. 

The Braxton Hicks contractions have really picked up - I get at least one or two every day now.  They are mildy panic-inducing at first, I'll admit it.

I've been busy getting things prepared, like going to the dentist this week.  Still a member of the No Cavity Club, but the dentist said he spotted what could be one.  I almost burst into tears.  Seriously.  Stupid gagging and bleeding gums!  It definitely made the visit one-of-a-kind.  And I'm sure the dental lady who cleaned my teeth really enjoyed me gagging every five seconds. 

I'm not sure why, but I've been thinking a lot about what would happen to Mr. Smith and Baby Harrison if something happened to me during childbirth.  I get that this is slightly morbid, but rather than freak out about it, I've been trying to get as prepared as possible.  For example... I've made a list of every single bill and monetary account we have, with all usernames, passwords, due dates, draft dates, etc. for Mr. Smith.  As CFO of our home, it's the least I could do. 

This is also probably why I've been hoarding diapers.  Mr. Smith has put me on a diaper hiatus, and he actually went through the nursery this weekend with a calculator and tallied up the total number of diapers we have. 

Confession Time:  It's over 700. 

Now... hold on one second, before you gasp and roll your eyes.  It ranges in sizes from Newborn to Size 3, people.  But buying an allotment every month since December really gave us a nice stock of them. 

I'm also for sure feeling the nesting thing really kick in.  I may or may not have washed some Newborn/0-3 month onesies this week, along with my pajamas for the Hospital. 

(And.. by the way, thank you for all the advice on what to pack and suggestions on detergent!!!  Other mommies know best!)

We have our next doctor's appointment Monday morning and ultrasound!  We're pumped to see our little buddy, especially since we haven't since November! 

Wordless Wednesday: What. Is. This.

Seriously?  I need this after Baby Harrison to get my hips back to their pre-baby shape?

(P.S.  No representation is made that the above photo is myself - past, present, or future.